IO – Baduy has long been known as one of the Sundanese ethnic groups who live with nature in the Kendeng Mountains, Kanekes Village, Leuwidamar District, Lebak Regency, Banten. The Baduy tribe is divided into two groups, also known as Inner Baduy and Outer Baduy. The most basic difference between the two groups is in carrying out the strict pikukuh or customary rules. Inner Baduy still adheres to customs and practice them wholeheartedly, on the other hand, the Outer Baduy are more open to the outside world.
Experiencing Baduy life can be interesting cultural tourism for the weekend. Moreover, their village is only about 160 km from Jakarta and can be reached by various modes of public transportation. There are two ways to get to Baduy traditional village, one through Kanekes and Cibologer village.
It takes a five hours trip from Jakarta to Kanekes. Generally, backpackers will take a commuter line train from Tanah Abang Station to Rangkasbitung, which is also the closest station to Kanekes Village, continuing by hired transport to go to Ciboleger.
Apart from the Ciboleger route, travelers can also use the Cijahe route to reach the Baduy traditional village. However, the local government has long revitalized the Ciboleger route as a special gateway for tourists.
The Baduy people are known for their strong customs and rules in their environment; one thing you need to know is the use of modern items, such as cell phones and cameras, which should not be used, especially if you want to explore the Inner Baduy region. They will impose special sanctions for naughty visitors who use their cameras in a restricted area.
Also, both Inner and Outer Baduy have no electricity network at all. Lighting at night is only by torches or oil lamps. Of course, for those who want to stay the nights in the Baduy traditional village, this situation must be taken into account beforehand. You must also be prepared not to use modern toiletries, such as soap, shampoo, and toothpaste, especially when bathing in the river, because for the Baduy people, the river is also a source of livelihood. Last, but not least, tourists are obliged to bring their trash out with them when returning.
To go on this interesting trip, it is best to be physically prepared, because there will be a lot of climbing, and rocky paths between the hills; there could also be a flood if it rains. You should also prepare equipment such as trekking shoes, raincoats, jackets, small backpacks, mountain sandals, and also a flashlight.
In Baduy Traditional Village, there are also no food stalls. Tourists who come to visit and stay at
residents’ houses should bring rice, vegetables, side dishes, fruits, and also a large supply of drinking water, considering that clean water in Baduy is only from the river. Tourists are allowed to bring snacks, coffee, tea, and sugar. Usually, the host will be happy to prepare the ingredients brought by his guests as dinner or breakfast in the morning.
Before leaving the Baduy Traditional Village area, don’t forget to support the local economy by buying a variety of typical handicrafts specially made by Baduy women such as woven cloth, scarves, sarongs, and various farming tools; some families in the Baduy traditional village also offer pure honey, gathered from forest bees.
After being closed for several months when the COVID-19 pandemic hit Indonesia in early 2020, now the Baduy traditional village is open to the public as long as they carry a health certificate and are free from COVID-19. Don’t forget to always apply the health protocols, such as wearing a mask, keeping your distance from each other, and always washing your hands with clean water.
Have a nice adventure amid the rich and diverse Indonesian culture! (Freddy Wally)